PNP mulls conferring medal on Malabed

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering giving an award to Police Colonel Pergentino “Bong” Malabed Jr. who was among the fatalities in an air collision in Washington D.C.

“Let us wait kung ano 'yung magiging desisyon ng (what will be the decision of the) PNP leadership since he died in the line of duty,” PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing.

“Normally ay meron naman 'yan mga corresponding na mga medalya na ibibigay sa kanya aside of course doon sa assistance na ibibigay sa kanyang mga naiwang pamilya,” she added

(Normally, there are corresponding medals that will be given to him aside of course from the assistance that will be given to his family.)

Malabed’s widow Rio arrived in Washington D.C. on Saturday night (US time) to identify his body.

Malabed was met at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport past 8 p.m. Washington time by Police Attaché Police Colonel Moises Villaceran Jr. and Consul General Donna Rodriguez.

The Philippine Consulate in Washington extended its condolences and assured the bereaved family of its full assistance. Representatives from American Airlines also assisted Rio upon her arrival.

The timeline for the repatriation of Malabed’s remains to the Philippines has not yet been determined.

"We cannot repatriate him immediately. His wife has just arrived, and she needs to formally identify the body," Villaceran said.

"Official identification is required before we can proceed with the transport process. Several clearances—health, flight, and state permits—are needed, and we are unsure when authorities will release the remains. A medical examiner must conduct an evaluation before any release can take place, so it may take several days," he explained.

PNP public information office acting chief Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño said that Malabed, as the PNP Supply Management Division chief, was on official travel for a pre-delivery inspection of some all-purpose vests.

Tuaño said that on January 22, Malabed, together with a non-commissioned officer and a non-uniformed personnel, flew from the Philippines to India for the pre-delivery inspection of the vests.

Malabed took five of the vests and flew to the United States to subject the items for further testing on January 27.

Based on the unofficial report of the Office of the Police Attaché in Washington D.C., Malabed was originally scheduled to return to the Philippines on February 2 but he decided to travel to South Carolina via Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to visit his brother.

Malabed was among the 64 people on board an American Airlines passenger jet when it collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 30 (US time).

Both aircraft fell into the frigid Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport.

The accident claimed the lives of all those on board the passenger jet — 60 passengers and four crew. The three soldiers on board the chopper also died.

Malabed was identified through a passport found in his body. —KG, GMA Integrated News